Motherhood can be an exclusive club, and until you become a member, it's pretty hard to truly understand everything these ladies go through. From sleepless nights and blowout diapers to endless carpools and pickup lines, being a mother takes dedication, sacrifice, and the ability to multitask. And while they say pictures are worth a thousand words, these moms' selfies are priceless because they spell out exactly what you go through as a mother just from their powerful (and humorous!) expressions.
So whether you're a filter pro or an anti-Instagram mama [1], you'll be able to relate to these photos that perfectly sum up what it's like to be a mom.
When you see your child for the first time and your life instantly changes.
When you get home and realize that from now on, your life will be juggling everyone else's needs.
When your child is the cutest accessory that you've ever worn and strangers can't help but smile at you.
When poo- or spit-up-covered clothing becomes the norm.
When you discover the glory that is #PumpAndDump.
When you finally become a pro at getting stains out — due to sheer necessity.
When multitasking takes on a whole new meaning.
When this becomes the only booty you'll ever need.
When your boobs are no longer your own and you're OK with it.
When you have a daily debate about moving your arm and risk waking the baby or going without the coffee.
When you start counting down how many days until they outgrow diapers.
When you officially have a mini me.
When you totally master multitasking like a boss.
When a simple kiss can fix any and every problem.
When you can't remember the last time that you didn't have a little person hanging off of you.
When you become a pro at rocking the topknot because who has time for anything else?
When you give yourself credit for making it out of the house with matching shoes (bonus points if they're on the right feet!).
When you're late for pickup because of traffic and there's absolutely nothing you can do about it.
When they start asking you for help with their Common Core homework (and you realize that you're not smarter than a 5th grader).
When you feel like an unpaid Uber driver from the amount of time you spend carpooling every day.
When extra time in bed is the most exotic vacation you can imagine.
When you have a second alone and need to snap a pic to prove to yourself that it actually happened.
When they're teenagers and you'd do anything to go back in time.